Are you
Chickenpox aware?
Chickenpox is highly contagious. Whilst it is usually a mild disease, there can be serious complications. Read on to find out more about chickenpox. Be chickenpox aware.
Chickenpox:
The Basics
The medical name for chickenpox is varicella because it is caused by the varicella zoster (VZ) virus. It’s a highly infectious disease, which means it’s easy to catch from someone who already has chickenpox.
The good news is that, in most cases, once you’ve had it, your body is able to protect you from catching it again.
of adults in the UK are immune to chickenpox because they had the disease as a child.
Spotting
Chickenpox
Fever
The illness usually starts with fever, aches and pains and feeling out of sorts.
Rash
Then, an itchy, spotty rash develops, turning from spots to blisters to scabs and crusts. The number of spots can vary from person to person; some people hardly have any, while others are covered head to toe.
Infection
The infection is spread in the fluid found in chickenpox blisters and the droplets in the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.
Chickenpox is contagious from one to two days before the rash appears and until all the blisters have scabbed over. This usually takes about five days. Other diseases can cause rashes, so you shouldn’t simply assume it’s chickenpox.
Managing spots
and itching
In healthy children, chickenpox will not usually require medical treatment. Your pharmacist can advise about medicines that may help relieve itching or reduce pain and discomfort. If complications develop, your doctor will decide on the appropriate treatment.
If you need to book a doctor’s appointment, tell the receptionist that your child has chickenpox. You may need to arrange a special appointment time to avoid infecting other patients.
Avoid using ibuprofen for chickenpox unless advised to do so by your doctor. You also shouldn’t give aspirin to children under 16.
Don’t scratch! It can cause skin infections or permanent scarring. If your child can’t stop scratching, keep their fingernails short and put gloves or socks on their hands, especially at night.
Speak to your pharmacist about using cooling creams or gels to relieve itching.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Try ice lollies if your child isn’t drinking. A diet of soft, cold foods is best if chickenpox sores develop in the mouth.
More information about chickenpox can be found via the NHS website*:
*This link will direct you to a thirdparty website. MSD does not endorse or recommend any content on this site but signposts this as a reputable source for additional information.
Don’t pass it on!
The medical name for chickenpox is varicella because it is caused by the varicella zoster (VZ) virus. It’s a highly infectious disease, which means it’s easy to catch from someone who already has chickenpox.
The good news is that, in most cases, once you’ve had it, your body is able to protect you from catching it again.
A little one with chickenpox will need around 5 days at home so you may have to take time off work to look after them.
If you are due to take a flight, you may not be allowed to fly until the last blister has scabbed over, so check with the airline. If you are not contagious but the rash is still present, you may need a doctor’s certificate.
Be aware of
high-risk groups
Chickenpox is usually mild, but occasionally it can lead to serious complications, especially in adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.
People in these high-risk groups are more likely to experience complications such as secondary infections. It’s rare to get chickenpox when you’re pregnant, and the chance of it causing complications is low. If you do get chickenpox when you’re pregnant, there’s a small risk of your baby being very ill when it’s born. Speak to a GP if you have not had chickenpox and have been near someone with it.
It’s important to seek medical advice if you are in one of these groups and think you may have chickenpox.
Possible
complications
If you develop a skin or lung infection, you will need treatment with antibiotics. In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalised.
For people at high risk of complications, doctors sometimes prescribe medications to shorten the duration of the infection and reduce the risk of complications. These should be given within 24 hours of the first appearance of the rash.
Infections caused by harmful bacteria getting into the skin, making it red, swollen and painful
Problems during pregnancy, including the infection spreading to the unborn baby
Lung infections (pneumonia), which can cause a persistent cough, breathing difficulties and chest pain
There may not always be signs of chickenpox complications. However, you should look out for swollen or painful skin, difficulty breathing or dehydration.
If you see any possible signs of complications, contact your GP or NHS 111 immediately.
When to contact
your GP?
Chickenpox is usually mild and clears up in about a week. However, some people can become seriously ill and need to see a doctor.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 if:
- You’re not sure if it’s chickenpox
- You get chickenpox as an adult
- You’re exposed to chickenpox while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- You think your newborn baby has chickenpox
- You’re exposed to chickenpox and have a weakened immune system
- You see signs of complications
- The symptoms haven’t started to improve after six days
- Your child has chickenpox and is dehydrated
- Chickenpox symptoms suddenly get worse
- Skin around the chickenpox blisters is hot, painful and red (note that redness may be harder to see with darker skin tones)
You should also get advice if you are originally from a country near the equator and have been exposed to chickenpox, as you may need treatment to stop you becoming seriously ill.
Although most children recover well from chickenpox, there can be further complications and consequences:
Scarring
Missed holidays & events
Time off work
These disruptions to family life are made worse when siblings pass the disease to one another.
*Parents of children who had experienced chickenpox
Parents* miss on average 4 days of work per child with chickenpox
These disruptions to family life are made worse when siblings pass the disease to one another.
*Parents of children who had experienced chickenpox
We want to hear from you
After visiting this site, has your knowledge and understanding of chickenpox as a disease increased?
Frequently asked questions
Below are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about chickenpox: